WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT?

In his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country? I believe Mr. Kennedy was right in suggesting that what we can do for others is more important than what others can do for us.

The same principle applies to us as Christians. In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Paul does not say we should not be concerned about ourselves, but not to be concerned only for self. He uses the example of Christ. He left the glory of heaven, he released equality with God, and came to earth to live and die as a man. Not only to die, but to die on the cross. Where would we be if Jesus had been concerned only for Himself? What if He decided what He could do for us was not as important as what we could do for Him? Therefore, always keep in mind which is more important.

v Is it more important to find a good congregation of which to be a member, or to be a good member of the congregation?

v Is it more important for me to be shown love or for me to show love?

v Is it more important how many visited me or how many I visited?

v Is it more important how much I get out of worship or how much I contribute to the worship of God?

v Is it more important how many spoke to me or how many I greeted?

v Is it more important if I was remembered in prayer or if I faithfully prayed for others?

v Is it more important that my good work be recognized or that I give honor to whom honor is due?

v Is it more important that God grant my prayer requests or that I am grateful for His innumerable blessings?

We live in a society where, too often, it is all about me. I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s not. The way to greatness is service (Matthew 20:25-28). One way to be judged favorably by God is through service to others (Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus came as a servant and we must strive to follow in His steps.

--Lamar